The Problem: Addictions

by Dr. Alan Kitay

An addiction is a compulsive or physical dependence upon a substance, person, or behavior that produces a temporary feeling of pleasure. However, the long-term destructive effects of an addiction normally tend to outweigh the temporary effects. A behavior is considered addictive when one knowingly does something that is harmful or not in one’s best interest. Addictions are progressive conditions that exert more and more control over the individual. Control is usually both psychological and physical. Although the addict may admit that the condition is harmful, quitting may be difficult or impossible. So, ask your self this question, “Am I doing something that temporarily makes me me?” If you answered, “Yes,” you may be addicted to something. Maybe you are struggling with an alcohol or drug addiction. Maybe you have a sexual addiction of some kind. Maybe you have a spending, eating or gambling addiction. Here are some suggested steps to help you understand the causes of addiction and begin the road to recovery. First, the cause: Addictions are the result of one trying to find immediate release from emotional or physical pain. People who become addicts generally have problems which produce emotional or physical pain, hey want and need comfort. They then turn to a substance, which is a false comforter to make them feel better or to deal with the pain. There are three false beliefs (mindsets), which contradict the scriptures, that contribute heavily to addiction. They are: I cannot tolerate suffering (Discomfort anxiety). I must feel better immediately (Low frustration Tolerance). I choose immediate pleasure over long-range consequences (Short Range Hedonism). It is an attempt to deal with pain, apart from God, that leads to addictions. Second, the cure: Jesus Christ has come to set the captives free. All people have some problems, distress, or stress in their lives. The difference is how they choose to handle these problems. For those of you who are having difficulties handling problems, I have Good News for you. Jesus Christ has come to set the captives free. Jesus said, Luke 4:18-19 (KJV) The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, [19] To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Gal 5:1 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:34-37 NIV When a person trusts Christ as their Lord and Savior, he or she can be set free because Jesus is God and has promised in John 8:36 “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” and in John 10:10 “I have come to give you life and give it more abundantly.” Jesus sets people free and answers the pain in their lives....where am I going when I die and what am I living for on this earth? He also gives power to overcome the temptations and the addiction when a person surrenders his or her life to Him. For those who are struggling with addictions, I recommend the following steps: Outline of solutions:

First, acknowledge that you have an addiction. (Matthew 9:12).

Second, desire to be free from the addiction (Mark 10:51).

Third, be willing to turn from the addiction. (Luke 9:23-25).

Fourth, understand that God is the real goal. (Matthew 6:33).

Fifth, be willing to lay your addiction before God. (I Peter 5:7).

Sixth, depend upon God to fulfill your needs. (Philippians 4:19) The pain is real; the longing is real; but you have a choice about how you are going to deal with the pain and longing. Turning to a thing does not fix the problem. It only makes the pain go away for a short time. But, when the pain returns, the problem is still there. An addiction is a way to hide the pain, not fix the problem. Remember, dealing with symptoms is not the same as dealing with the problem, or the root cause, of your pain. Also remember, there is no chemical solution to a spiritual problem. Before the urge to turn to your addictive behavior rises again, make plans for a better response. Plan 3-4 things you are going to do before you cave-in to the urge to go to your addictive behavior. The can include making plans to meet or call someone, find a place of worship to go to, engage in an activity that you enjoy that is not harmful, or best yet, start to pray. Call out to God, who is the true comforter. Jesus has promised, (John 14:18), “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. “

Dr. Alan Kitay, has a Ph.D. in Psychology and is a Licensed Professional Christian Therapist. He is the Director of Grace Christian Counseling Ministries and can be reached by calling 832-419-0673 or e-mailing AlanKitay@graceccm.com.

Benefitting Community Assistance Center (CAC) is Saturday, September 18 at Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures, 23101 Hwy 242 in New Caney from 10:00am-noon. 8,000 Ducks will be entered in the Lazy River to win prizes for their “adopted” owners. Adopt a Duck to Help your Neighbors in Need. www.DuckRace.com/MOCO

CAC is a private, non-profit agency that serves residents of Montgomery County, Texas who are experiencing an unexpected financial need or crisis www.CAC-MCTX.org

Helping your neighbors in need can be a fun and rewarding experience. The 14th Annual Duck Race benefiting Community Assistance Center (CAC) will held in person Saturday, September 18, 2021 at Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures with the family fun starting at 10:00 am. Each $5 donation to adopt a duck makes a difference in providing resources and basic needs assistance to struggling individuals and families right here in Montgomery County. Families and individuals of all ages can enjoy a splashin’ great time with swimming, activities and of course- the DUCK RACE!

Community Assistance Center (CAC) will launch 8,000 rubber ducks into the lazy river on event day where they will splash and bob their way to the finish line where one lucky adoptive duck parent will win the Grand Prize of $2,500.00 in cash, sponsored by Guaranty Bank & Trust. Other amazing prizes include an Apple watch, a Family 4 Pack Season Pass to Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures through the 2022 season, a 2 Night Stay at Margaritaville Lake Conroe Resort, Astros tickets, and more! Plus, for every $25 in duck adoptions purchased, you will be eligible to receive one free admission ticket on Race Day to Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures while supplies last. Participants do not have to be present to win. Proceeds from this fun-filled, “quacktacular” special event will support CAC programs which provide immediate basic needs services and financial assistance with rent/mortgage, utilities, food, clothing, emergency shelter vouchers, prescriptions, back to school assistance, transportation vouchers, education, and disaster recovery. CAC has served residents of Montgomery County for 40 years, promoting long term solutions and stability for our Montgomery County neighbors experiencing financial hardships.

Community Assistance Center is a non-profit, social service agency providing resources to meet basic needs and improve quality of life for our neighbors in Montgomery County. CAC provides case management and assistance services such as food, clothing, emergency shelter, rental and mortgage assistance, utilities, and education to promote self-sufficiency. During its last fiscal year, CAC provided services to over 39,300 residents of Montgomery County through its various programs and services. Follow their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/CACMCTX and their website to learn more about CAC. www.cac-mctx.org

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